Dong quai is also known as Angelica sinensis.  It has been held in high esteem for 'toning' the blood, lubricating the intestines and promoting circulation, among others uses.  There is a lovely story about how this herb was named.  The Chinese name for the herb roughly translates to "Ought-To-Return".  The story behind the name is that a young man left behind his bride while he searched for rare herbs on a dangerous mountain.  He delayed so long that the young man's mother asked her daughter-in-law to remarry.  She did so reluctantly and, of course, her first husband returned the next day.  She fell into a deep despair and melancholy.  The story says her first husband treated her with one of the herbs that he had brought back - Dong quai.  A Chinese poet observed that the husband should have returned sooner and the wife should have waited longer.  And that is how Dong quai ("Ought-To-Return) got its name. 

Legends aside, numerous studies have demonstrated the value of Dong Quai, especially for addressing women's needs.  Dong Quai is also one of the few herbs that contain B-12, and  promotes hematopoiesis (stimulates the bone marrow to produce blood). Therefore, it is useful for those managing anemia, including the pernicious classification. Those suffering from anemia should consult their healthcare practitioner to rule out life-threatening disease.   

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

FAMILIAR NAME:

 Chiinese Angelica, Dang Gui, Tang-Kuei, Danggui

SCIENTIFIC :

 Angelica Sinenses

ORDER:

 Apiaceae

PART USED:

 Root

GROWN IN:

 Korea, Japan, China Native

 

Dong quai

Overview

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) root has been used for more than a thousand years as a spice, tonic, and medicine in China, Korea, and Japan. It is still used often in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is usually combined with other herbs. In TCM it is used most often to treat women's reproductive problems, such as dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation, and to improve blood flow.

Dong quai is sometimes called the "female ginseng." Although there are few scientific studies on dong quai, it is sometimes suggested to relieve cramps, irregular menstrual cycles, infrequent periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms.

 

Plant Description

Dong quai grows at high altitudes in the cold, damp, mountains of China, Korea, and Japan. This fragrant, perennial plant -- a member of the celery family -- has smooth purplish stems and umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers and winged fruits in July and August. The yellow-brown thick-branched roots are used as medicine. It takes 3 years for the plant to reach maturity. The root is harvested and made into tablets, powders, and other medicinal forms.

 

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Very few studies have been done on using dong quai in humans. Some lab tests suggest that dong quai contains compounds that may help reduce pain, open blood vessels, and stimulate and relax the muscles of the uterus. More studies are needed to see whether dong quai works and is safe.

Treatment

Dong quai is sometimes suggested for the following conditions:

Menopausal symptoms

Some women say dong quai relieves symptoms such as hot flashes. Researchers aren't sure whether dong quai acts like estrogen or blocks estrogen in the body. Studies have found different things, and one study found that dong quai did not help to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Other

Dong quai has also been suggested for these conditions, although there isn’t good scientific evidence:

• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
• Heart disease -- One study suggested that a combination of dong quai, Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), and astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) decreased symptoms of chest pain in a small group of people with heart disease.
• High blood pressure
• Premature ejaculation -- as one ingredient in a cream applied to the skin

 

Dosage and Administration

You can find dong quai in a variety of forms, including tablets and powders. In China and Japan, it is given as an injection in a hospital or health center. You should not use injections at home.

Dong quai should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Pediatric

You should not give dong quai to a child.

Adult

Researchers don't know what a safe dose is, so there is no recommended dose.

Dried herb (raw root) may be boiled or soaked in wine before consuming.

Powdered herb (available in capsules). In one study for menopausal symptoms, people took 500 - 600 mg tablets or capsules up to six times daily.

Tincture (1:5 w/v, 70% alcohol): 40 - 80 drops (equivalent to 2 - 4 mL, there are 5 mL in a teaspoon), three times daily.

 

Precautions

You should not drink the essential oil of dong quai because it has a small amount of cancer-causing substances.

People who have chronic diarrhea or abdominal bloating should not use dong quai.

People who are at risk of hormone-related cancers, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, should not take dong quai because researchers aren’t sure if it acts like estrogen in the body.

Side Effects

Dong quai, particularly at high doses, may make you more sensitive to sunlight and cause skin inflammation and rashes. Stay out of the sun or use sunscreen while taking dong quai.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not use dong quai during pregnancy. It may cause the uterus to contract and raise the risk of miscarriage. Nursing mothers should not take dong quai because no one knows if it is safe when you are breastfeeding.

Pediatric Use

Do not give dong quai to a child because no one knows whether it is safe for children.

 

Interactions and Depletions

Dong quai may interact with the following medications and herbs:

Blood thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets -- Dong quai may raise the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. The same is true of using dong quai with many herbs and supplements. Talk to your doctor before taking dong quai. These are some of the herbs and supplements that may act like blood thinners:

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
• Fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acids
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
• Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Hormone medications -- There is not much research on using dong quai with hormone medications, such as estrogens, progesterones, birth control pills, tamoxifen, or raloxifene (Evista). But, because dong quai may act like estrogen in the body, you should not take it with hormone medications except under your doctor's supervision.

St. John's wort -- Both dong quai and St. John's wort can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your doctor before taking them together.

 

Supporting Research

Al-Bareeq RJ, Ray AA, Nott L, Pautler SE, Razvi H. Dong Quai (angelica sinensis) in the treatment of hot flashes for men on androgen deprivation therapy: results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial. Can Urol Assoc J. 2010 Feb;4(1):49-53.

Carroll DG. Nonhormonal therapies for hot flashes in menopause. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73(3):457-64.

Cho CH, Mei QB, Shang P, et al. Study of the gastrointestinal protective effects of polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis in rats. Planta Med. 2000;66(4):348-351.

Choi HK, Jung GW, Moon KH, et al. Clinical study of SS-Cream in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Urology. 2000;55:257-61.

Circosta C, Pasquale RD, Palumbo DR, Samperi S, Occhiuto F. Estrogenic activity of standardized extract of Angelica sinensis. Phytother Res. 2006;20(8):665-9.

Fugh-Berman A. Herb-drug interactions. Lancet. 2000; 355(9198):134-138.

Hardy ML. Herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2000;40(2):234-242.

Kan WL, Cho CH, Rudd JA, Lin G. Study of the anti-proliferative effects and synergy of phthalides from Angelica sinensis on colon cancer cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Oct 30;120(1):36-43.

Kelley KW, Carroll DG. Evaluating the evidence for over-the-counter alternatives for relief of hot flashes in menopausal women. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2010 Sep-Oct;50(5):e106-15. doi: 10.1331/JAPhA.2010.09243. Review.

Kupfersztain C, Rotem C, Fagot R, Kaplan B. The immediate effect of natural plant extract, Angelica sinensis and Matricaria chamomilla (Climex) for the treatment of hot flushes during menopause. A preliminary report. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2003;30(4):203-6.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Hudson, OH:LexiComp; 2000: 425-426.

Smolinske A. Dietary supplement-drug interactions. J Am Med Womens Assoc. 1999;54(4):191-196.

Williamson JS, Wyandt CM. An herbal update. Drug Topics. 1998;142(6):66-75.

Wojcikowski K, Wohlmuth H, Johnson DW, Rolfe M, Gobe G. An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: Potential therapeutic and toxic effects. Nephrology (Carlton). 2008 Sep 22. [Epub ahead of print]

Wong VK, Yu L, Cho CH. Protective effect of polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis on ulcerative colitis in rats. Inflammopharmacology. 2008 Aug;16(4):162-7.

Yang T, Jia M, Meng J, Wu H, Mei Q. Immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharide isolated from Angelica sinensis. Int J Biol Macromol. 2006;39(4-5):179-184.

Yim TK, Wu WK, Pak WF, Mak DH, Liang SM, Ko KM. Myocardial protection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury by a Polygonum multiflorum extract supplemented 'Dang-Gui decoction for enriching blood', a compound formulation, ex vivo. Phytother Res. 2000;14(3):195-199.

 

Alternative Names

Angelica sinensis; Chinese angelica; Danggui; Tan kue bai zhi; Tang kuei

 

Version Info

• Last Reviewed on 12/28/2012
• Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Source: Dong quai | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical-reference-guide/complementary-and-alternative-medicine-guide/herb/dong-quai#ixzz3Dn5o0V00
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